Diagnostic Ultrasound

Musculoskeletal ultrasonography is a very powerful diagnostic tool for the diagnosis of wide array of foot and ankle problems. At Southwestern Foot and Ankle Associates, P.C. an ultrasound may be performed in the office to help diagnose your foot problem. We use ultrasound typically for soft tissue problems, not bone conditions. Typically the scan is performed by Dr. Thomas H. Tran. Some of the foot and ankle disorders that ultrasound may be used for are the following:

• Foreign bodies
• Morton's neuroma
• Soft tissue masses
• Bursitis or capsulitis of the joints
• Ligament injuries
• Tendonitis or tendon tears
• Heel spurs or plantar fasciitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Ultrasound guided injection or aspirations

What is Ultrasound? Most people know about ultrasound to image a baby or a gallbladder, but it has growing application in musculoskeletal disorders. Ultrasound is based on sound waves. Sound waves are emitted from a transducer probe that is applied to the body and these sound waves will past into the body and then are reflected back to the transducer probe to be recorded. The recorded image is based on the density of the object that the sound waves encounter. An object with a high density appears white or brighter on the recorded image, while objects of low density will appear black or dark on the image. Intermediate densities will appear gray. The sound waves are recorded back to the machine, which will produce the image. This image will appear on our ultrasound screen and you the patient can immediately see the area that the doctor is scanning and help to understand the problem you are having. This helps in directing the appropriate treatment for your condition.

Ultrasound is completely safe and painless. It also has no contraindications. There is no problem in having the examination if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker or other medical conditions that may prevent you from having a MRI or CT scan. Ultrasound also does not produce any radiation as with a CT scan or x-rays.

In preparing for the examination, you can eat and take your normal medications. The examination will take from 45 minutes to an hour based on the area being scanned. It is advised that you bath the day of the examination but avoid the use of any skin lotions or emollients. Also you should where loose fitting clothing or shorts to make it easier to perform the examination. Dr. Thomas H. Tran has published 5 articles on the use of ultrasound and has lectured locally, nationally and internationally on the use of ultrasound for the foot and ankle.